Congratulations To Emerald Heritage

I love sharing success stories with an Irish twist and today I’m delighted to share some wonderful news of Emerald Heritage’s ongoing accomplishments and accolades.

This year Emerald Heritage will reach a global audience of 60 million viewers when it is featured on two international travel programs.

The Glens of Antrim earned a well deserved place on a list of world’s most exciting locations according to US Travel Channel and Luxury Channel AWE TV.

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Emerald Heritage’s Work:

Emerald Heritage, a social enterprise based in the Glens of Antrim, was established in 2014.

This family-business hit on the idea of selling small plots of land in the stunning hillsides of the Glens, and reinvesting the profits to reverse the serious deforestation of native Irish woodlands.

We explored their work together in previous posts about their conservation goals, and their tree planting program. A big thanks to many of you who have supported their work. They have gone from strength to strength. It’s lovely to report once again on their plans and ambitions for protecting this beautiful part of Ireland.

Emerald Heritage was formed by Irish people for Irish people in response to the erosion of both Ireland’s landscape and aspects of our shared culture. Not content to sit back as great swathes of Ireland’s natural habitat and history was put to the sword, never to return, Emerald Heritage decided to act.

For an island famed for its sublime scenery and emerald hue it may come as a surprise to many to learn that Ireland is the least wooded country in Europe with just 1% of our native woodland remaining.

Centuries of unchecked development has resulted in this sad statistic and unless something is done the landscape, together with the plants, birds, and animals that call it home, will be lost forever.

Emerald Heritage Wows PBS:

Emerald Heritage’s creative conservation concept has caught the attention of senior staff in PBS Media who have featured their work in two top rated travel programs.

‘Jet Set’ and ‘Travel in Style’ are broadcast in Ultra HD to more than 60 million viewers in the US, Russia, China and the Middle East, and will now give viewers across the globe a little glimpse of Ireland.

Scenes at Ballygally Castle Hotel, the Causeway Coastal Route and locations used in Game of Thrones feature prominently in the shows.

The Glens area saw off stiff competition from several luxury destinations around the world to join Monaco, Venice and Mauritius on this exclusive list of most exciting places.

Lyn Nelson, the founder of Emerald Heritage, which was only set up last year, added:

“This is an exciting and rare opportunity for us

and for the wider Causeway Coast and Glens area.

The region boasts some of the world’s most stunning locations,

and while millions of travelers make their way here each year,

its potential remains significant.”

Richard Hall, Managing Director of PBS Media, said:

“This is an area that has so much to offer producers and tourists alike,

it’s not hard to see what keeps bringing them back year on year.

Many people think they already know the Causeway Coast and Glens,

but as we’re keen to show, the incredible locations,

warmth of the people and the diversity of experiences mean there is always

an adventure around each corner.

Game Of Thrones And The Glens Of Antrim:

Many viewers of these PBS programs may not realize they have seen these hills and glens, coasts and ocean views before. Emerald Heritage lands are located near where scenes of the TV smash Game of Thrones are filmed.

Believe it or not U.S. Game of Thrones’ fans are rushing to snap up land in Northern Ireland’s Glens of Antrim, and the more people who buy a little plot of Irish land, the more land can be preserved and restored.

Owners of Emerald Heritage say the phenomenal success of the Game of Thrones series – much of which is filmed at locations throughout North Antrim – has led to a deluge of fans snapping up their own little slice of the area for an affordable US$50.

As well as gaining a unique souvenir, buyers become legally certified owners of Irish land which allows them to use the ancient Irish tradition title of ‘Squireen’, or ‘Squire’ in English meaning ‘Irish Landowner’.

A Few Words From Lyn Nelson:

“Many people in the United States already feel a deep connection with Ireland

and we’ve seen interest in this stunning area increase dramatically

as it is showcased in one of the most popular programs in the world.

We’ve tapped into that interest in a way that allows people to claim

a pocket of land nestled in the Glens Wood,

but in a way that will also protect the local heritage.”

The PBS crew met with a warm welcome in County Antrim, with Lyn’s team eager to showcase the incredible locations on their doorstep.

Richard Hall, managing director of PBS Media, was delighted with the success of their filming experience…

“Meeting with Lyn and hearing the story behind Emerald Heritage

has been a real highlight. It’s not often tourists have a chance

to legally and affordably own a part of a stunning destination

and do a small bit to conserve the nearby environment.”

So why not watch out for these episodes of ‘Jet Set’ and ‘Travel in Style’ which will air in the coming weeks. You can learn more on the Emerald Heritage website.

Codes For Land Purchases:

A Quick Note and Legal Disclaimer: If you choose to utilize the discount code listed below I will earn a commission for your land purchase. If you have any questions you can contact me or leave a comment, and I’ll do my very best to reply.

Comments

Thanks to Irish American Mom, I am not only a Squireen, but my son and I have just returned from The Gathering trip to plant our tree. We planted a red flowering Beech tree. Since our 4×4 plot is quite near the road, it will be lovely for all passing by to see, and hopefully inspire others to plant more.

I so appreciate all the information you have shared personally, as well as from your guests. I mentioned to everyone I met how I “discovered” Emerald- Heritage and other helpful information from your site that made our trip easier and more rewarding.

Congratulations on your well deserved awards and continued success. Squiress Susie

Dear Squiress Susie – Thanks so much for updating us on your tree planting trip to the Glens of Antrim. It sounds like you had a wonderful time. A red flowering beech is a lovely choice of tree to plant. Thanks too for letting others know about my little corner of the internet, where all are welcome to share happy stories of Ireland and their ancestors. Thanks for all your support and for following my recipes and ramblings. All the best, Mairéad

Hi Bill – The trunk of any tree planted on a small plot may grow wider than the plot itself. Here’s hoping the trees will thrive, creating a lasting habitat for wildlife in the area. All the best, Mairéad

Dear Mairead (sorry can’t type sine fada!) This information about Emerald Heritage is so wonderful! Thank you! The other day (I live in upstate New York) I passed by a field that was so green I took a picture as much for its beauty as well as just because it was as close to my mind’s eye of an Irish field of green as any I have ever seen! Just not something you see every day. Can’t help but think of it as I read your information about Emerald Heritage and this wonderful effort. Can’t wait to tell my better half! 🙂 God bless you, Irishnannie (Susie O. Towne)

Hi Irishnannie – Thanks so much for stopping by and checking out my site and the wonderful work being done by Emerald Heritage. I understand how you felt upon passing a green, green field that reminded you of Ireland. Some Kentucky fields of famous bluegrass are burnished in a shade of green that looks like Ireland. I have lived in New York, Florida, Texas and Kentucky and I must say looking out of an airplane as it approaches Louisville Airport, reminds me of Ireland the most. Take care, and blessings to you too. Mairéad